Richard J. Codey Arena was filled with gloom during the second intermission as Westfield’s student section sat, staring at the scoreboard that read 2-0 Livingston. The Blue Devils were unable to find the back of the net during the first two periods, and the mood was down, a feeling that is unusual during a Westfield boys hockey game. But when the third period began, the team came out hot with renewed energy and fight. Westfield caught fire, scoring four times in the final period to seal the win and send Livingston home with a 4-2 loss.
Head coach Joe Bertucci said, “We didn’t bring our best in the first and second periods. I think it’s been a long week between midterms and playing Delbarton the other day, so I don’t think we were fully engaged from the start.” The team was fresh off a tough 7-0 loss to Debarton on Wednesday, Jan. 28. Bertucci added, “I hope [the loss] didn’t drain their confidence. We just played against the best team in the state and one of the best teams in the country.”
The team came onto the ice without their usual confidence and missed passes that normally connect. It was clear that something had to change for the Blue Devils to come out on top. Senior assistant captain and goalie Troy Conover said, “In between the second and third period in the locker room, we were just really trying to forget about the first two periods, maintain a positive attitude and craft the game plan around how we’re gonna score these goals and not let up.”
Their attitude clearly shifted when they came back out for the third period. Starting the final period on a power play, Westfield came out fast. Five minutes in, junior Liam Duffy scored, and the Westfield student section erupted. The atmosphere completely changed. Less than three minutes later, Westfield found their second goal while down a man when junior Liam Reed had a breakaway and found senior Tyler Bergman, who slid the puck past Livingston’s goalie to tie it up and had the crowd pounding on the glass. Finally, Reed netted a pair with under four minutes left. After that, Livingston’s fate was sealed and the Blue Devils sent the Lancers walking out with their heads hung low.
Penalties played a major role throughout the game as four of the six goals occurred with uneven numbers on the ice. Livingston’s second goal was scored while they were up a man, but Westfield answered with a goal of their own on a Westfield power play. Then, Westfield was able to capitalize on another power play as Reed took the lead.
Reed acknowledged that the 6-1 win they had over Livingston earlier this season helped drive their motivation when they found themselves down heading into the third period. He said the team had to regain their confidence during the final break. He said, “We know we’re the better team, and we beat them by five earlier in the season. There’s no way we can’t put at least two goals in that last period.”
Now, the Blue Devils are looking to continue their impressive 13-2 season on Wednesday at 6:35 pm at home against Northern Highlands, their penultimate regular-season game. Then, with their strong momentum and grit, the reigning state champions are looking to go far in the postseason.
